Updates To Bingo And Raffles Law

The act defines a "bingo strip card game" as a type of bingo that is played with a strip of up to 5 connected paper bingo cards, with each card containing a concealed grid of preprinted numbers ranging from one to 75. The winner is the first player to match the numbers drawn on one or more bingo balls to the prearranged pattern of numbers on a card. The maximum prize for an individual card may not exceed $1,000.

The act also updates certain language concerning bingo and pull tab games and prohibits a licensee from possessing, using, selling, offering for sale, or putting into play any equipment unless it conforms to law and was purchased or leased by the licensee from a licensed bingo-raffle manufacturer or supplier or from a licensed agent of a bingo-raffle manufacturer or supplier.

Current law states that the licensing authority may establish by rule the maximum number of bingo cards that a bingo player who plays using the aid of an electronic device is permitted to use with the aid of such a device per game; except that the maximum number must be at least 54. The act changes this limit to 100.

Current law requires all money collected or received from the sale of admission, extra regular cards, special game cards, sale of supplies, and all other receipts from the games of bingo, raffles, and pull tab games to be deposited in a special checking or savings account, or both, of the licensee, which must contain only this money. The act updates this language to include money collected or received from the sale of bingo strip cards.

For the 2022-23 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $47,471 from the department of state cash fund to the department of state (department) to be used as follows:

• $17,271 for use by the business and licensing division for personal services;
• $6,200 for use by the business and licensing division for operating expenses; and
• $24,000 for use by the information technology division for personal services.
  (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)